Summer 2008


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“For I know the plans I have for you...” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

SUMMER 2008

We never dream alone By David J. Spittal, president Southern Wesleyan University

I

t is fascinating to read of those who spend a lifetime researching dreams and who offer various dream interpretations. Most of us have experienced dreams that include falling, running or even being chased by some creature. These dreams may symbolize any number of things. Some dreams we immediately forget and others remain in our memories for some time. Dreams are common to life and it is often the dreamers around us who seem to go beyond the possible and seek the impossible. The Bible includes many accounts of dreams and dreamers who changed their worlds and the lives of those around them. Jacob, perhaps the most notable of the dreamers, dreamed of a stairway to heaven and, in it, he heard the voice of God and his promise to him. This dream was so powerful that we still sing about climbing Jacob’s ladder. Joseph had a strange dream in which sheaves of wheat bowed before him. He made the mistake of sharing his dream with his jealous brothers. But Joseph’s dream was prophetic and Scripture tells the amazing story of Joseph and his rise to fame as one of the great leaders of the nation of Israel. His dream and his famous coat of many colors is one of the Bible stories we first learned as young children. 2 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08

I can’t say that all my dreams are God-inspired, but I do know that God speaks of visions and dreams throughout his word. There is something about a Godinspired dream that breaks through the barriers of possibility and challenges us immeasurably more than we could even imagine. King David was certainly a dreamer and, despite his faltering and stumbling, Scripture tells us that he was a man after God’s own heart. David transferred his dream of a temple to his son Solomon and charged him with the fulfillment of that dream. The temple became the visible evidence of a God-inspired dream that became a reality. Our God is a God of “the immeasurably more” and Paul states that He is able to do more than we can ask, imagine or even dream. God is not limited by our resources or abilities, but desires to invest his power in the obedience of his people. I am confident that the God who knows our thoughts is able to fulfill his purposes through our most intimate and deeply-held hopes and dreams. In Romans 15:13, Paul prayed, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is with this assurance that we can be confident that God understands our hearts and seeks to inhabit our hopes and dreams with his overflowing love. He who knows and understands the heart and the hopes of those who dream has also promised that we will never dream alone.

Contents

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu

SUMMER 2008 Focus Magazine is published four times a year by Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC President’s Cabinet David J. Spittal, President R. Keith Iddings, Provost W. Joseph Brockinton, V.P. for Student Life Marshall L. Atcheson Sr., V.P. for Finance James E. Wiggins, V.P. for Development Board of Trustees Charles L. Joiner, Chair Marlin R. Hotle, Vice Chair Sherry Alloway, Secretary Thomas E. Armiger, Ex Officio William L. Benton Daniel A. Berry Louise H. Carlton Donald L. Carr E. Keith Carroll Thomas H. Cayce David M. Chambers Joseph R. Dongell David M. Emery Richard L. Emery Darl L. Fowler J.D. Fralin Melvin L. Gentry, Emeritus Ronald L. Haithcock Ronnie L. Hamilton Kenneth R. Heer W.D. James, Emeritus Lowell E. Jennings, Chair Emeritus James H. Johnson, Emeritus Kerry Kind, Ex Officio Ronald D. Kelly Ray A. Lattimore Daniel E. LeRoy Dan Loggins Frances Mason, Emeritus Donald W. Milstead George I. Newton, Emeritus John Ott W. Marshall Rampey, Jr. Charles A. Ruff M. Lee Schenck Henry F. Shigley Herschel A. Smith Keith W. Smith Joseph W. Stallings D. Ken Whitener Alumni Association Officers Nancy Edwards, Past President Sue Rickman, President Janene Bryson, President-Elect Winnie Molloseau, Secretary Joy Bryant, Treasurer, Executive Director and Constituent Relations Editorial Staff Janelle Beamer Ed Welch Stephen Hoffmann James Wiggins

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Join our song of praise

6

God guides music major’s steps

12 SWU launches Board of Visitors 13 SWU student earns applause



7





8



Promise fund surging ahead to annual goal Phonathon calling on SWU supporters



MyCampus: A new alumni connection

14 Alumni Association welcomes

FEATURE: Chinese student follows dream, prayer

in teaching

new board members

15 Alumni Snapshots

10 Student translates interest in



language into love for China

SWU keeps eye on health Davon Gardner gets ready to have his blood pressure checked by Diane Chrisley of the Clemson Health Center. Gardner is a sophomore from Baltimore, Md. Southern Wesleyan University hosted several area agencies, organizations and health-related businesses during a Health Fair on April 1 at the Newton Dining Commons on the university’s campus in Central.

On the cover

Southern Wesleyan University’s new NewtonHobson Chapel and University Fine Arts Center are a dream that is becoming reality. The building, illustrated by the architect, is taking shape and is scheduled to be complete in August. FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 3

F

oin our song of praise

or the past three years, Southern Wesleyan University has been engaged in a $20.5 million capital campaign –“Building Foundations for a New Generation.” Several university goals have been realized: a new residence hall constructed, a beautiful dining commons built and our administration building renovated.

The new 1,200-seat chapel and fine arts center currently under construction is well on its way to being finished in August 2008. The $6.4 million building (including furnishings) is 80 percent funded. “We have basically paid for the building. What do we lack? We need $1 million for furnishings such as sound systems, furniture, seating, pianos, music rooms, etc. for this 47,000-squarefoot building,” said Rev. Jim Wiggins, vice president for development. “We have done well in raising approximately $5.4 million for this facility. Hundreds have stepped forward to help.” The university needs $1 million to furnish

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the Newton-Hobson Chapel and University Fine Arts Center and, as of June 1, 2008, it is launching the final drive to raise those funds. Southern Wesleyan University is calling on alumni, Wesleyan women, churches/pastors and friends in business to give the money to furnish the chapel and fine arts building. “Our prayerful goal is to dedicate this facility debt-free in October 2008,” Rev. Wiggins said. “A tremendous celebration is being planned October 23 and 24 – at the time of the fall Trustee Board meeting. Hundreds of friends, SWU employees, alumni, friends in businesses and students are expected to be in attendance to join in the great celebration of praise and thanks to the Lord for the fulfillment of a dream that has been

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu in the hearts of so many for several years.” There are naming opportunities in the facility and the university invites individuals, churches and family groups to consider a special gift to honor an individual, family, church or organization. The following are a few of the remaining naming opportunities.

Fine Arts Classroom (4) $25,000

Music Faculty Teaching Studio (6) $15,000

Student Practice Room (19) $10,000

Studio or Practice Piano (16) $10,000

Founding Patrons of the Arts $10,000

Founding Friends of the Arts $5,000 In addition, gifts are needed to support the furnishing and equipping of the new facilities. These projects are ideal for an individual, family, church or organization. Alumni and friends of the university are urged to step forward and join the hundreds of others who have invested in this addition to the university campus.

Chapel Seating Chairs (1,200) $100 each

Music Plaza Bricks (1,000) $250 each A music plaza will be constructed to honor those who have contributed to the music heritage of the university. Named bricks can be placed in the plaza in memory or honor of those who have supported Southern Wesleyan University’s music program. “This is an excellent opportunity for music alumni, choir members, alumni and friends to honor those who contributed to their lives through their talents,” Rev. Wiggins said.

Campaign Status: Newton-Hobson Chapel and University Fine Arts Center Total Construction Budget

$5,614,208

Total Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Budget

$ 800,000

Total Project Cost

$6,416,208

Status on income pledges and cash Major Lead Gift, Campaign Pledges and Other Cash on Hand

$4,982,250

Anticipated Large Gifts

$ 393,000

Total

$5,375,250

Needed to Complete the Challenge

$1,034,875

* Information based on March 2008 reports.

Join Southern Wesleyan University’s song of praise!

Fill out the following form and use the envelope enclosed in this issue of Focus magazine to send your donation (designated for the campaign) or express your interest today. Name______________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________State _________ Zip________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________________ ___ I would like more information on giving to the Newton-Hobson Chapel and University Fine Arts Center. ___ I would like to give today! Please use my gift for__________________________________________________

Anyone who wishes to support the music plaza is welcome to buy a commemorative brick.

Total amount enclosed: $__________________________________________________

For donation details, please call Mary Costello at (864) 644-5004 or e-mail [email protected] or return the form on the right.

Name as it appears on the card:_ __________________________________________

Charge my credit card for this gift:

q Visa q MasterCard

q Discover

Account #_________________________________________________________________ Security code __________ Exp date __________ FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 5

God guides music major’s steps By Heather Clifton SWU student

When I was in 10th grade, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I was meant to be a Southern Wesleyan University student. My youth pastor, Kris Leroy, attended SWU and all I ever heard was how wonderful this school is. As with many things in life, this dream was hard to accomplish. I have an identical twin sister, Caroline, and of course our parents wanted us to both attend college. We also have two younger siblings, Aaron and Montgomery, so one can imagine what the expenses of college would be.

When it came time for my sister and me to apply for college, unfortunately for me, I was the twin who wanted to attend Southern Wesleyan, which meant it was more expensive. My parents were happy to help me go to college, but they were concerned about the price. 6 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08

I prayed my whole high school senior year that God would either close the door to SWU or keep it standing wide open. Thankfully, those prayers paid off and I was able to receive scholarships that have helped me and my parents tremendously. God has really blessed me with these scholarships, helping me to achieve my goal of coming to SWU. I am graduating in May and cannot even imagine what my life would have been like, had the SWU door not been kept open. I thank God every day for the chance to come here and meet the wonderful and kind-spirited people on and off campus.

It says in Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” I had planned for my course to be here at Southern Wesleyan and, thankfully, God knew the desires of my heart and determined my steps! Heather Clifton is a senior music major from Asheboro, N.C. If you are interested in changing the lives of our current and future students just like Heather, please consider giving to the Promise Fund by using the postage – paid envelope in this issue of Focus. You may also give online by going to www.swu.edu and clicking on the “Making a Gift” tab on the left. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Fellers at (864) 644-5006 or [email protected].

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu

Promise Fund surging ahead to annual goal The Promise Fund at Southern Wesleyan University, which supports student scholarships as well as academic and student programs, is finishing another fiscal year and is tracking ahead of where it was the same time last year. However, help is needed to complete the goal for this year.

Total: $280,965

Concrete expressions of faith Southern Wesleyan University students expressed their faith in words of testimony and praise with images on the sidewalks of the campus in Central. Pictured is Brittany Watts, a sophomore from Fountain Inn majoring in physical education. The chalk art, described by university chaplain Ken Dill as “holy graffiti,” was part of a Maundy Thursday observance March 20.

Phonathon calling on SWU supporters The Phonathon needs your help! As another academic year winds down, so does the annual Phonathon and your support is needed to reach the goal of $65,000. So far, donors have pledged $37,074, with $29,294 received. The Phonathon raises money for the Promise Fund, which provides support for student scholarships and financial assistance for academic and student programs. Every donation helps the university provide a

high-quality, Christian education for SWU students.

So far, $280,965 has been contributed by alumni and friends. An additional $79,035 is needed to reach the goal of $360,000. With continued support from Southern Wesleyan University friends and alumni, this goal can be a reality. Please prayerfully consider aiding the Promise Fund with a donation. Every gift is important and helpful as the university strives to provide the best education possible for our students.

If you have made a pledge to the Promise Fund during this year’s Phonathon and still have not sent your gift, please consider sending it in before June 30, 2008, so that it can be credited to this year’s Phonathon.

To help support the Promise Fund, please use the envelope enclosed in this issue of Focus magazine. For Promise Fund details, please contact Mary Costello at (864) 644-5004 or [email protected].

If you did not receive a phone call this year, but would still like to support the Promise Fund by giving to the Phonathon, please use the envelope enclosed in this issue of Focus magazine and simply note “Phonathon” on it. You can also contact Erin Fellers at (864) 644-5006 or [email protected] for details.

Faculty and Staff: $25,710 Corporations/ Businesses: $36,685.28 Alumni: $70,401 Friends: $67,458 Churches/ Organizations: $21,289 Trustees: $50,289 Matching Gifts: $4,375 Foundation: $200 FOCUS SUMMER SUMMER ‘08 ‘08 77 FOCUS

FEATURE

Chinese student follows dream, prayer Y

ears ago, a young Chinese girl sat on her mother’s lap and looked into the heavens.

“She would just hold me and point at the sky and say ‘star,’ ‘moon,’” Chen Chen said of her mother, who taught her to speak English. As she grew up, Chen continued to learn English and also developed her faith – sparked by her mother’s teachings and by visiting Christian educators. When the time came for her to attend a university, Chen once again looked to the heavens and decided on Southern Wesleyan University. “I dreamed of coming to the United States. God chose Southern Wesleyan University for me and brought me here from far, far away,” Chen said. Her hometown is Hefei, China. “I’m here because I am a Christian. I want to pursue both my academic and spiritual education here.” Although her name translates into “Chen Chen” in English, the Chinese symbols for her first and last names are different, she said. Her name means “God’s precious treasure,” she said with a broad smile. “I love the Christian perspective at Southern Wesleyan University,” the freshman communications major said. “I feel God’s love everywhere here. People are close. Professors and students are like friends. I feel people’s love to each other here. SWU is the best.” Another deciding factor is that the university’s main campus is close to 8 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08

Brevard, N.C., where her “American grandparents” Betty and Harry Newman live. The couple attends Brevard Wesleyan Church. The Newmans are also responsible for fueling Chen’s dream to study in the United States. They were participants in a Christian organization that teaches English in China. The couple visited China during nine summers from 1992 to 2004. Chen met the couple when she was four years old and credits them with acquainting her with Christianity. “My mom teaches in the English department in the college where they came to teach,” Chen said. Her father also works at the college. “The Newmans are so kind. They have such a love for people.” Being far away from home is sometimes hard for the 19-year-old. “It’s my first time outside of my country. All my family is in China. But I have no fear because I know God is with me,” Chen said. She talks to her family through a webcam and an instant message program on her computer. “I can’t imagine what it would be like if I couldn’t talk to them. I really love my family and I’m very close to my parents. That’s very important to me,” Chen said. She’ll see her parents over the summer break when she will spend three months at home in China. Hefei is the capital city of the Anhui province, located in the Central region of China about 600 miles from Shanghai. The summers are warm like they are in South

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu Carolina, but winters are a little cooler there, Chen said.

but here it is my second language,” she said.

One person who has made her feel especially at home in the United States is Tina Collins of Liberty, a Southern Wesleyan University student who is fluent in Chinese and has years of experience with Chinese culture.

Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, said he is grateful for the opportunity to build connections across the world.

“I prayed about friends before I came here. A lot of students here are nice, but because they don’t know about my culture, it’s sometimes hard to communicate,” Chen said. “Tina has made a big change for me. She is like a sister. Weekends can be very lonely for me. Many students here go home on the weekends.” The Collins family has included Chen in many of their outings and welcomed her into their family. “I have a room in their home,” Chen said, smiling. “I really enjoy their family and I’m having fun. I’m experiencing American culture. They give me love. They are wonderful Christians.”

“We believe in people. We believe in dreams. We believe God has a blueprint for everyone – even those who are a world away in China,” he said. “I know God is with me and this was provided by him,” Chen said. “I feel the power of prayer.” Chen’s dream of attending an American university actually began a generation earlier, when her mother hoped to go to school in the United States. “When my mom was young, she had a dream to come to America, but she didn’t have the money to come. Now I complete her dream and my dream, too,” Chen said.

Chen Chen in her hometown of Hefei, China.

Of course, living in the United States has meant many changes for Chen, from food to study practices. “The food is different here. I like Western food. In China, we have American fast food, too,” Chen said. “Here, the way that the teachers teach requires a lot of individual study,” with classes requiring individual reading, study and project research, Chen said. Another challenge is the English language, Chen said. It was her best subject in school in China, but here she faces dialects and slang that can be confusing. “My English is very good in China,

Chen Chen with her friend, Tina Collins, who is fluent in Chinese.

FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 9

Student translates interest in language

A

path that began at a Chinese restaurant in Easley, S.C., has taken one Southern Wesleyan University student all the way to China. Fluent in Chinese, Tina Collins of Liberty has visited the country twice. She learned to speak Chinese at age 13 with the help of a Chinese family at The China Buffet in Easley. “In high school there was a language requirement I needed to fulfill. Through prayer, the Lord led me and my family to a Chinese restaurant one Sunday and the answer was right there,” Collins said. Her mother struck a deal with the restaurant’s owners. She and her daughter would teach their family English in exchange for lessons in speaking Chinese. Collins, a home-schooled student, had a flexible schedule and met with the Chinese family three times a week after business hours. She later became a waitress at the Chinese restaurant and found more opportunities to practice her second language.

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Learning Chinese has involved learning the Chinese alphabet as well as Chinese characters, Collins said. “The symbols have ABCs like our language – only 22 actual letters. Each letter makes a sound. If you know the letters, you can sound it out,” she said. “The graphic Chinese characters represent concepts, not letters.” Collins started learning these characters two years ago. Since learning the language, she has visited China twice – once with Youth with a Mission, a nondenominational group, and once with Mission to the World, sponsored by the Presbyterian Church of America. Recently, Collins was invited to be a dancer in the Olympic parade in Beijing, China. Because of political unrest in the country, that trip has been put on hold, postponing her plans to live in the Olympic Village, perform dance routines and serve as a translator. She was to be one of 600 other students, parents and organization members with Light the World Parade of Franklin, Tenn. Locally, Collins uses her language skills to work with Chinese students in the community, many of whom are drawn to the area by Clemson University.

“It didn’t occur to me that it was odd to learn Chinese at a Chinese restaurant in Easley,” she said, laughing.

“I’m a translator for the Pickens County School District,” she said. “There are a lot of international children in our area, with Clemson University nearby.”

Collins also said restaurant patrons would ask her if she is Chinese because of her language fluency.

Collins provides translation skills and advice on Chinese cultural issues for the school district.

“Here was this white American who could speak Chinese,” she said. “I had so much fun.”

She also works with Chinese students in the community through a summer dance program that

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu

into love for China teaches girls ages 5 to 11 international dance, interpretive dance and sign language. Collins also communicates through sign language, something she learned from her mother, a special education teacher. “Education is the most revered occupation in China – more than politics or any other profession. Teachers are revered,” Collins said. “That’s what I would love to do in China. I’d love to teach dance and sign language in the schools.” For now, Collins is majoring in English, with a theater minor. But even on the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central, she has a daily opportunity to practice her Chinese.

As she keeps an eye out for opportunities to travel to China, Collins continues to work at The China Buffet on Sundays. “I can work anywhere in the world – anywhere there’s a Chinese restaurant,” Collins said. “I’ll be working with Chinese people my whole life. The whole idea of a different culture with a different set of standards is so interesting. I would love to be a bridge between our two cultures,” she said.

The first cultural differences Collins noticed were in Chinese greetings and farewells. “The first question they ask is not ‘How are you doing?,’ it’s ‘Have you eaten yet?’ They don’t say goodbye, they say ‘I will see you again,’” she said. And with Collins’ language skills and career focus, those in China are indeed likely to see her again.

This year, the university welcomed Chen Chen, a freshman, from Hefei, China. Collins and Chen had an immediate bond. “Chen and I are sisters now. That’s a God thing. I have really been able to help her,” Collins said. “I work with her to translate her books. She stays with my family on the weekends.” Collins says that she usually speaks to Chen in Chinese and Chen generally speaks to her in English. The two call this “Chenglish” – a way for each of them to practice their secondary languages. “My family has pretty much adopted Chen. She has her own room in my house,” Collins said.

At top: Tina Collins enjoys teaching Chinese children. Above: Collins shops during a visit to China.

FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 11

SWU launches Board of Visitors Experiencing. Sharing. Making a difference. These were the themes of the inaugural meeting of Southern Wesleyan University’s Board of Visitors held on the university’s campus in Central in March. The Board of Visitors is a newlydeveloped group of alumni and friends who can advise the university president and help advance the strategic goals of Southern Wesleyan. During the meeting, members were asked to respond to the question, “Who do they say we are?” Board members present shared ideas related to the image, public perception and identity of the university. University President David Spittal presented an overview of the university, profiling the university’s goals. Vice President for Development Jim Wiggins challenged the group to share their ideas, dreams and visions for the university and its academic programs, community impact and growth opportunities. The group’s luncheon featured a testimony of strength and faith shared by freshman Chen Chen, a

Current members of the board of visitors include: Lee Allen (Easley, S.C.) ’99 Dr. Gloria Bell (Central, S.C.) ’61 James Blackburn (Fishers, Ind.) ’55 Michael and Jean Bonham (Seneca, S.C.) ’70/’68 Ronald Brank (Franklin, Tenn.) ’68 S.C. Wesleyan Women – Sandy Buchanan, designee (Westminster, S.C.) Carol Burdette (Pendleton, S.C.) ’82 John Callaham (Liberty, S.C.)

Roy and Patricia Collins (Central, S.C.) Al Cumbie (Honea Path, S.C.) Billy and JoAnn Davis (Greenville, S.C.) ’61/’58 Emily DeRoberts (Easley, S.C.) ’99 Janet Green (Gastonia, N.C.) ’62 Russell Guffee (Pendleton, S.C.) ’80 Harold and Mary Gunsalus (High Point, N.C.) Larry Hooks (Mentone, Ala.) ‘74

student from China who decided to attend SWU based on Christian faith. (See page 8 of this issue of Focus for more of Chen Chen’s story.)

SWU’s Board of Visitor Members: • Assist in achieving the strategic goals of SWU • Provide feedback for new and existing programs • Recommend additional Board of Visitors members • Serve as ambassadors within your communities • Provide an annual donation of at least $1,000 to the SWU Promise Fund 12 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08

Paul Johanson (Seneca, S.C.) Don Karns (Piedmont, S.C.) ’79 Ray Klumb (Bahama, N.C.) ’92 Julia and Dale Lappin (Flat Rock, N.C.) ’46 Sonny Lusk (Kennesaw, Ga.) ’56 Ed Martin (Central, S.C.) Daniel Maw (Seneca, S.C.) ’89 James and Sheryl Medders (Simpsonville, S.C.) ’85 Dr. Gordon and Frances Miller (Kernersville, N.C.)

Jerry Mize (Seneca, S.C.) ’89 Randy Newton (Clemson, S.C.) Tim Newton (Fayetteville, N.C.) John Powell (West Union, S.C.) ’70 Hershell and Sandra Pruitt (Mentone, Ala.) Levon and Earline Stack (Columbia, S.C.) Herbert Thompson (Central, S.C.) Wanda Whitener (Salem, S.C.) ’73 Dr. Clifton and Ernie Wood (Charlotte, N.C.) ’48/’49

A heritage tour of the campus was led by Dr. Spittal, highlighting many SWU landmarks. The tour concluded with a prayer at Freedom’s Hill Church. The next meeting of the Board of Visitors is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18. To learn more about the Board of Visitors, please contact Carla Whitlock at (864) 644-5014 or Jim Wiggins at (864) 644-5013.

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu

MyCampus:

SWU student earns applause in teaching

A new alumni connection The SWU Alumni Association wants to welcome alumni to the a special portal of MyCampus.  

Erica Millwood, a third-grade teacher and Southern Wesleyan University student, was named Teacher of the Year at Leaphart Elementary School in the Irmo area. A Gaffney native, Millwood is in her second year of teaching at the school, which is part of Lexington/Richland School District 5. She attends classes at Southern Wesleyan University’s Columbia location. When seeking to further her professional development, Millwood saw Southern Wesleyan University as a great fit. “I’ve enjoyed it. I like small settings where you can have more of a personal relationship with people in the classroom. I went to a small college, so I like the setting that Southern Wesleyan offers,” she said. Millwood, who is on track to earn her master of education degree this winter, appreciates how quickly she has been able to go through her degree program, taking classes that meet once a week. “The way they lay out the courses is great. What you learn, you can

Erica Millwood

actually use in the classroom,” Millwood said. She added that the technology courses are wonderful because they go beyond basic skills and teach advanced skills that are relevant to today’s classrooms filled with computers and smartboards. Millwood graduated magna cum laude in elementary education from Limestone College in 2006. Millwood and her husband Byron reside in Lexington. For details on classes at Southern Wesleyan University in Columbia, call 1-800-737-1292.

Faculty and staff retire from SWU Employees who will be retiring from Southern Wesleyan University at the end of June were honored at a banquet April 8. Retiring, from left, are Ronnie Smith, painter/carpenter; Don Schaupp, assistant professor of computer science; Dr. James Bross, professor of religion; Dr. Nancy Mann, associate professor of psychology; and Rosalyn Flanigan, associate professor of English.

It is important to us that alumni stay connected to us and to each other. Alumni, please take a minute to explore this portal and discover some of the convenient services provided to you as an alumnus of Southern Wesleyan University.    MyCampus is a link from the Southern Wesleyan University Web page (www.swu.edu) that is password-protected. To log on, you will need two pieces of information. 1) Your user ID. This will be your student ID number. If you need help remembering your student ID number, look beside your name on the mailing label of Focus magazine. 2) You’ll need to have a password. This will be the last 5 digits of your social security number. Rest assured that the university has taken all of the necessary precautions to secure the personal information available on this site.  In the upper right section of this Web site, you will find a personal information link. Please use this link to update your biographical information.  The pencil icon in each section enables the edit features of this site. It is extremely important for you to enter an e-mail address, so that the server can communicate information to you in the event that you forget your password. Password changes will only be sent to the e-mail address on record and will not be given over the phone.  Please call Southern Wesleyan’s IT office at 1-800-289-1292, ext. 5050, or e-mail us at techsupport@ swu.edu if you have questions about this portal. 

FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 13

Headline Alumni News

Alumni Association welcomes new board members New members have been elected to Southern Wesleyan University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors for a three-year term. These elections assist with the implementation of the Alumni Association mission, which is to support enthusiastic and informed ambassadors for the university through service, involvement and effective communication. The purpose of the SWU Alumni Association is to geographically coordinate the efforts of SWU alumni and friends, encourage support for SWU, foster association with former students and promote SWU within one’s community, while providing leadership in support of SWU. New board members include:

Winnie Molloseau,

Central, S.C. – A skillful and dedicated administrative assistant to the vice president for Student Life of SWU, Molloseau also serves as residence director where she plans, implements and oversees all operation of the Eagle’s Rest retreat center on the SWU campus.

Deborah Kelly Rhodes,

Noblesville, Ind. – Employed with the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, Rhodes showcases her skill of organization with her love of people and ministry.

Osie Egbuniwe,

Greenville, S.C. – A seasoned professional with outstanding skill in international business, banking, lending and financial model analysis, Dr. Egbuniwe currently serves as a financial specialist with Wachovia Bank. 14 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08

Mark Thompson, Greenville, S.C. – An experienced civil designer with an emphasis on master plans, drainage and site layout plans, Thompson is employed with Design Strategies, LLC.

Karen Varnadoe, Lexington, S.C. – Personal assistant to the president of PrintSouth Printing, Varnadoe is an organized, highly motivated and detail-directed problem solver. She is a goal-oriented individual with strong leadership capabilities.

Jennifer Potts, Columbia, S.C. – Serving Southern Wesleyan University by combining educational experience and work experience to suggest ways to improve adult and traditional programs, Potts serves as coordinator of Student Services for undergraduate students in Columbia, S.C.

Harold Reaves, Columbia, S.C. – The alumni board should be safe in the hands of Reaves who serves as director of homeland security for the City of Columbia. He oversees the operations of Emergency Operations, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Quality of Life Task Force, Public Safety Accreditation and the Community Safety Unit.

Michael Nunley, Columbia, S.C./Bronx, N.Y. – After receiving his magna cum laude recognition from SWU in 2004, Nunley pursued his love of law and order with the University of South Carolina. Following graduation in May 2008, Nunley will hang his law degree from USC beside his SWU degree in his new office located in the district attorney’s office in the Bronx , N.Y.

Lisa Jenkins,

Columbia, S.C. – Skilled with numbers, Jenkins serves the USC Office of Financial Aid as a program assistant. Having also assisted many attorneys with drafting various pleadings and legal documents, she brings a level of administrative excellence to the alumni board.

Todd Price,

Anderson, S.C. – A financial advisor for Edward Jones, Price brings more than a decade of experience in leadership and management.

Natalie Carey,

Easley, S.C. – With nearly 20 years of progressive experience in student coordination, office management and supervision, Carey’s key strengths of organization, planning and critical thinking, interpersonal relations and customer service have been valued by the Greenville Hospital System.

2008 General Conference of The Wesleyan Church A Southern Breakfast is a great way to start the day! Southern Wesleyan University’s Alumni Association invites all alumni and friends to a buffet breakfast in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, June 8. Time: 7-8:30 a.m. Cost: $10 per person Call to reserve your ticket today: 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5384 or e-mail [email protected]. Seating is limited. Please R.S.V.P. by May 26.

Alumni Spotlight

SWU graduate pens message of holiness

NEWS FLASHES ’90

Regina (Foster) Carroll has recently been promoted to business officer for the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University.

’04

Derrick Copeland has been promoted to vice president, chief security officer at The Palmetto Bank. He has been employed with The Palmetto Bank for 10 years.

WEDDINGS ’06

Allison Renee Moore and Randall Matthew Elswick were married Dec. 29, 2007.

BIRTHS ’92

Greyson Levi Klumb, was born on Dec. 8, 2007, to Robin and Ray Klumb. He weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. and was 21 inches long.

OBITUARIES ’80

Virginia Steiner Cadaret Marullo Seneca, S.C., Dec. 5, 2007.

’07

Anthony (Tony) Owens Lexington, S.C., Jan. 28, 2008.

’96

Southern Wesleyan University/www.swu.edu

William (Billy) Patrick Griffin Simpsonville, S.C., March 12, 2008.

A Southern Wesleyan University alumnus is spreading the word about holiness. Matt LeRoy has coauthored a book with Jeremy Summers. The book, entitled “The Way Forward” deals with discovering the classic message of holiness. LeRoy is a 1999 graduate of Southern Wesleyan University and graduated this past December from Asbury Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity. He is an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. LeRoy and his wife, Sarah, plan to move to Chapel Hill, N.C., where he has been called to plant a church. Other contributors to the book with SWU connections include Dr. Bob Black, professor of religion; and alumni Dr. Joseph Dongell, Asbury Theological Seminary professor; Josh LeRoy; and David Medders, president of Bethany Bible College. Summers is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary. He is an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church.

“The Way Forward” seeks to introduce a new generation to the classic message of holiness, captured in the words of its great heralds. At the core of this book is the work of John and Charles Wesley, writings that profoundly influenced their ideas on holy living. The book traces the journey of this message through the generations that followed. It echoes the voices of a humble monk, a former slave turned founding bishop, a politician, a poet, abolitionists, activists, preachers, professors, reformers and revolutionaries. These voices tell the story of the timeless promise of God’s far-reaching grace and transforming love.

Save the date

2008 SWU Homecoming

Jubilee Sept. 26 & 27

For details, call 1-800-282-7898, ext. 5384 FOCUS SUMMER ‘08 15

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PAID GREENVILLE, SC PERMIT # 232

PO Box 1020 Central, SC 29630 www.swu.edu Return Service Requested

Southern Wesleyan University’s annual P.B. Wood Golf Tournament Monday, October 20, 2008 The captain’s choice tournament has slots for 36 four-person teams. Spaces will go fast, so sign up today! The cost for an individual is $100 and a team is $400. The cost includes greens fees, cart fees, meals and prizes. Tournament sponsorship opportunities are available which allow for name and business recognition. Sponsorship costs start at $100 for a tee sponsor and $250 for a hole sponsor. Corporate sponsorships are $1,000 and co-sponsorships are $2,500. All proceeds from the tournament help to support the Promise Fund, which provides scholarship assistance and program support for Southern Wesleyan University students. To sign up, or for details, contact Erin Fellers at (864) 644-5006 or [email protected].